Jordan Spieth was so consumed with trying to make birdies and save pars on a rugged, rainy afternoon at the Tour Championship in Atlanta that he didn't realize until after he signed for a 2-under 68 that he had a one-shot lead.
He knows exactly what's at stake Sunday in what is shaping up as a dynamic end to the season.
Spieth made four big par saves and ended with a 20-foot birdie to overtake Henrik Stenson for the lead at East Lake. Already with the best year in golf, the Masters and U.S. Open champion is now one round away from the richest year in golf history.
A victory would push him over a record $12 million for the season, and give him the $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup.
"No matter what, it's a dream-come-true season," said Spieth, who was at 8-under 202. "So I don't need tomorrow to justify it. I'm not going to sit here and say $10 million doesn't mean anything to me, because it does. It's a fantastic bonus.
"I'll work hard for the win tomorrow because I want to win this golf tournament. It would be special to get your name on that trophy."
newsmakers
Set the record: Sebastian Giovinco, who broke the MLS single-season points record, assisting on two Toronto goals to push his total to 35. Chris Wondolowski had 34 with San Jose in 2012.
Restored F1 order: Nico Rosberg, who won the pole for the Japanese Grand Prix, putting the Mercedes team on the pole after a week away. Mercedes has won the pole for 12 of the 13 races.